Our proactive grant program helps grow a thriving community by directing resources toward key areas of need. Increasing access to mental health resources has emerged as a top priority, based on local data and input from nonprofit partners.
Data from the most recent Ottawa County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) revealed 34.5% of Ottawa County adults are considered to have mild to severe psychological distress, almost twice the rate (19.8%) it was in 2020. Among Ottawa County youth, rates of depression also increased.
“The grant proposals we received in this round were submitted by a variety of nonprofit organizations, all of whom are realizing and reacting to the ways that mental health impacts the populations they serve. Their proposals placed an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and community-based supports,” said Yadah V. Ramirez, Director of Community Impact. “We are honored to partner with these organizations in creating a community where all can thrive.”
CFHZ distributed a total of $164,000 amongst four nonprofits to help increase access to mental health resources.
Latin Americans United for Progress, Inc. (LAUP)
Amount: $60,000 over two years
Project: Bridging Mental Health, Building Equity: Mental Health Integration with Community Health Worker Initiative
This grant supports a full-time licensed Master’s social worker, who will play an integral role in LAUP’s new Bridging Mental Health, Building Equity initiative. The program addresses barriers to accessing mental health care for immigrant and low-income residents through a network of bilingual clinicians and community health workers. The licensed Master’s social worker will coordinate among six partner nonprofit organizations to reduce waitlists and fast-track mental health care. “This funding will help ensure families receive care rooted in dignity, trust, and cultural understanding, regardless of insurance status. Through standardized mental health screenings and warm hand-offs to on-site therapy and counseling, paired with targeted support for critical social determinants of health – housing stability, reliable transportation, and benefits navigation – we will transform lives, build resilience, and drive lasting health equity across our community,” said Maria Morales, Sr. Director of Workforce and Strategic Impact at LAUP.
Children’s Advocacy Center
Amount: $44,000 over two years
Project: Expanding Access to Trauma-Informed Counseling for Children and Families
This grant will help Children’s Advocacy Center add 180 counseling sessions annually in response to a 25% increase in demand for services supporting child sexual abuse survivors. The CAC currently provides over 200 therapy sessions monthly using evidence-based trauma treatment methods but has reached capacity limits that create wait times for families needing care. The expansion will help ensure children receive timely specialized therapy through the center’s existing network of clinicians, advocates, and law enforcement partners. Rachael DeWitt, Executive Director, said, “When a child discloses sexual abuse, everything in their world changes. With this grant, children are able to receive skilled, compassionate care at the very moment they need it most, expanding our community’s capacity to help them feel safe and begin their healing journey. Its impact extends far beyond today – for the child, for their family, and for the long-term strength and well-being of our community.”
Brave Space
Amount: $30,000
Project: Brave Space Program
This grant helps expand the Brave Space Program, a nine-week program that uses creative writing and expressive arts to help local middle and high school students build coping skills and resilience. The program is designed to help youth who are struggling with emotional regulation, identity, or belonging, and serves students directly through small cohorts, including a dedicated summer session for LGBTQ+ youth. It will also distribute guided journals to 1,000 additional students. “This support allows us to expand programming that meets students where they are- centering their voices and experiences, while offering a proactive and creative approach to mental health. Because of this funding, we can reach students that previously did not have access to these resources and create free brave spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to imagine healthier futures for themselves and their communities,” said Alexis Rosado, Founder of Brave Space.
Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence
Amount: $30,000
Project: Equine Assisted Therapy Program
This grant supports an expansion in Resilience’s trauma therapy options for children who have witnessed domestic violence and their caregivers. Through a partnership with Renew Therapeutic Riding Center, the program will serve approximately 100 families. It combines traditional trauma-focused therapy with guided horse interactions designed to build trust, emotional safety, and healing. Krystal Diel, Director of Survivor Services, said, “We are excited to be able to offer equine-assisted services for children and their families. Children who have witnessed domestic violence will be able to work with horses to regulate their emotions and practice coping skills. We are thrilled to be able to offer this avenue for healing.”
Click here for more information about our proactive grant program.
